Mark Holland, civil servant and holistic massage therapist
Rides: BMW R1200ST
Why this bike? I was looking to upgrade my Kawasaki ZR7S. A colleague lent me his BMW R1200GS and I was hooked.
Why did you become a biker? Initially it was for faster transport around town. My first bike was a Yamaha Virago 250 which didn't last long after I passed my test. I couldn't wait to get rid of it for another bike that didn't attract so many dreadful puns and derision.
What do you use your bike for? To travel to and from work. I also enjoy touring around Ireland with the wife and general aimless cruising on a Sunday afternoon. The only time I leave the bike at home is when there is ice on the ground. It's just not worth the risk.
Did you take any rider training? Yes. I started with the Irish School of Motoring before I went out on the road. When I passed my test I took the Fingal County Council Star Rider Silver Course and did the Gold Course when I upgraded the bike again. Now that I have the ST I am training to take the RoSPA advanced test.
What does your insurance cost? €798 fully comprehensive.
Do you drive a car? Only when I have to.
Was there any family resistance to your biking? My wife was all for it as she grew up on bikes and likes being a passenger. My sister thinks I'm nuts, but she likes the bike.
Do you worry about your survival as a biker? All the time. I tend to be hyper-vigilant on the bike and take the attitude that they are all out to get me.
Ever had an accident? Yes two. The first time a guy did a U-turn in front of me and then gave me the SMIDSY (Sorry Mate I didn't See You) routine. The second was really funny; I had my Kawasaki 750 for one day when the engine conked out at low speed and I didn't notice until it had tilted over too far and it threw me onto my back beside it. It was very embarrassing.
Do you follow motorcycle sports? I find road racing intensely boring. I prefer American Chopper and The Long Way Round.
Have you taken any trips abroad on two wheels? Not yet. I have been on numerous work related trips and days out surfing with fellow bikers around Ireland. I can't wait to go abroad. It's in the planning stages.
What you do think is the bond that links bikers closer than motorists? I can't put it into words. It may have something to do with being a member of the oppressed minority. I didn't understand it myself until I came across a guy pushing a broken down CBR750 in the rain. When he saw me, he just threw his hands up to heaven. I gave him a lift to his mate's house so he could arrange to have it collected.
Any tips for survival on two wheels? All new bikes are fitted with a Klingon Cloaking Device as standard, which renders it invisible to all road users, and it can't be turned off. My tip is to drive with this in mind.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? I would commission Orange County Choppers to build me a bike that I would put on permanent display in my sitting room.